Eskom Emissions Surge by 53%

Statement by Kevin Mileham MP – DA Spokesperson on Electricty & Energy:

The DA has sent a written request to Parliament’s Committee’s for Electricity and Environment, requiring that Eskom and its environmental regulators be called urgently before Parliament to account for the alarming deterioration in emissions from its power stations.

Eskom’s latest results show that relative particulate emissions increased by 53%, from 0.64 kg to 0.98 kg per MWh of electricity sent out – almost three times its target of 0.35 kg/MWh. Because this measure is already adjusted for electricity generated, Eskom cannot explain the increase simply by saying it produced more power.

The DA will request a joint inquiry by Parliament’s Portfolio Committees on Electricity and Energy and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Eskom must disclose, power station by power station, which plants exceeded their authorised emissions limits, for how long, why pollution-control systems failed, and what action was taken by environmental regulators. Parliament must also receive the underlying emissions data, pollution-control maintenance records, exemption compliance reports and enforcement records.

There is already serious cause for concern. In 2025, Eskom estimated that its coal units operated above allowable daily particulate limits for a combined 1,508 operating days, blaming damaged electrostatic precipitators and failures in dust, ash and sulphur-conditioning systems. Eskom has also acknowledged that some emissions monitors may reach their maximum recording range at stations with exceptionally high pollution – meaning actual emissions could have been even worse than reported.

This is particularly concerning because, in March 2025, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment granted exemptions from specified Minimum Emission Standards to eight Eskom power stations – Duvha, Kendal, Lethabo, Majuba, Matimba, Matla, Medupi and Tutuka – preventing the immediate closure of approximately 29,000 MW of generating capacity. These exemptions came with strict conditions, including enhanced air-quality monitoring, health screening, mobile clinics and expanded mitigation measures. Most deadlines fell within Eskom’s 2026 financial year, yet its results do not tell South Africans whether these conditions were actually met.

The consequences extend far beyond Eskom’s balance sheet. A 2025 South African Medical Research Council study using almost three million death certificates found a 6% higher mortality risk in districts containing coal-fired power stations, alongside higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory disease, childhood pneumonia and certain birth anomalies. The courts have also found that poor air quality in the Highveld Priority Area – home to 12 Eskom coal-fired power stations – breaches residents’ constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being.

The DA will also refer the deterioration in Eskom’s emissions to the Environmental Management Inspectorate, or Green Scorpions, requesting a station-by-station investigation into compliance with Atmospheric Emission Licences, Minimum Emission Standards and exemption conditions; the extent of particulate, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide exceedances; failures of pollution-control equipment and emissions monitors; and whether regulators took appropriate enforcement action. Where breaches amounting to criminal offences are established, they must be referred for prosecution.

Eskom’s improved generation performance deserves recognition, but keeping the lights on cannot become an excuse for deteriorating pollution controls and weak environmental enforcement.

South Africans cannot be forced to pay for Eskom’s recovery with their lungs.